In the verdant hills of Coorg, Karnataka, where hockey is woven into the cultural fabric, three young women are taking that legacy forward with grit, discipline and unwavering ambition. Rakshitha J, Yamuna and Vidyashree — though different in background and journey — share one common objective: to don the Indian national hockey jersey and make their mark on the sport.
Rakshitha J: From Somwarpet Fields to National Camp Dreams
Rakshitha’s love for hockey began organically in Somwarpet, watching senior players train under coach Ramesh. She soon specialised as a forward and steadily climbed the age-group levels with robust parental encouragement.
Now training at the NCOE, she follows a rigorous schedule of two practice sessions daily, supported by nutritionists, physiotherapists and structured coaching. Financial backing through the sports quota and the Khelo India scheme has eased her journey.
“I am giving my all to reach the level where I can represent India,” Rakshitha said after earning selection to the Junior India Camp. Her accomplishments so far include bronze at the Asmitha Hockey League Junior Inter-Zone Nationals 2026 and gold at the Junior South Zone 2026 Championship.
Yamuna: Balancing Books and Big Hockey Dreams
Yamuna’s path was less straightforward. Leaving home in the sixth grade to train at the DYES hostel, she fought through homesickness and societal pressure to prioritise studies. Despite scepticism from some quarters, she stayed committed.
She credits coach Ravish H B and government programmes for discipline and access to facilities but highlights persistent gender disparities and limited platforms for women athletes. Yamuna juggles academics and training and now holds a job with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) under the sports quota.
Her competitive résumé includes participation in multiple Hockey India Junior Women’s Nationals (2023–2025), National Games and All India Inter-University Championships, with notable medals — gold at the 2023 Junior Women’s South Zone Championship and silver at the 2024 South Zone Inter-University Games.
Vidyashree: From Volleyball to Hockey with International Exposure
Vidyashree’s entry into hockey was unplanned. Switching from volleyball in the seventh grade due to height criteria, she discovered a natural affinity for the sport, inspired by international players.
Now training at the SAI NCOE Mumbai, she also serves as a CISF Head Constable in Bhubaneswar. Despite facing body-shaming, financial limitations and lack of early exposure, her resolve remains unbroken.
Vidyashree’s career highlights include playing in Europe (Netherlands and Belgium), earning bronze in the 2024–25 Hockey India League, and consistent participation across domestic national tournaments. She has set her sights even higher — preparing for Olympic aspirations.
Together, Rakshitha, Yamuna and Vidyashree reflect the evolving landscape of women’s hockey in India — one where talent meets structured support, yet still confronts challenges of inequality and limited visibility. Their stories are emblematic of a new generation that is not just dreaming of the Indian jersey, but actively pursuing it with measurable results.
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